JP4875000B2 - Bag with low profile hanger bracket and harness - Google Patents

Abstract

An item of expandable luggage includes a multiple expansion capability, including an expandable main compartment and an expandable external pocket. The luggage item also includes a pair of internal tie-down panels for better holding of clothes within the item and for providing additional storage pockets. A low-profile clothes hanger bracket is provided which is useful with either wire or wooden clothes hangers and includes a harness to avoid unintentional dislodgement of the hangers.

Description

  The present invention relates to a bag, in particular a travel bag, and in particular a bag having a low profile garment hanger bracket capable of holding a wire or wooden (suit) hanger.

  It is known in bag products to provide various brackets designed to hold clothes, such as suits or dresses, carried on hangers. However, such conventional brackets are not entirely satisfactory for particularly small, lightweight traction or carry bags. Conventional brackets tend to be excessively large and fuzzy or unsuitable for certain commonly used hangers, such as wooden suit hangers, or require the use of specially designed hangers. Conventional brackets may require moving clothes from a conventional hanger in a closet to another or special hanger, for example, to hang on a bag product. US Pat. No. 6,595,354, issued July 22, 2003 to Tumi, Inc., overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art. The disclosure of this patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, it does not suggest or disclose a harness for solving the unintentional disconnection of the hanger.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight, compact, all-purpose garment hanger bracket as a bag product that eliminates the unintentional detachment of hangers.

  [Summary of Invention]

  The problem of the present invention is that it is useful for wires or wooden hangers where brackets are generally available, and garments can be stuffed directly from the closet, i.e. the garments can be packed without having to be moved to other hangers and It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-profile garment hanger bracket for a bag product having a harness to avoid unintentional escape.

  The above and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a hanger bracket having a base member fixed to a wall panel or wall member of a bag product and including at least one, preferably two hook members. The The hook member extends generally perpendicularly from the base member, subsequently curved, extends away from the base member (to the second part along the base member), and terminates at a free end. The interval between the base member and the opposing portion of the hook member is preferably such that a single clothes hanger, that is, a hook portion of a coat hanger, fits between the hook member and the base member. This configuration provides a low flat cross-sectional configuration that is advantageous for garment hanger brackets. On the other hand, the length of the second part of the hook member, or the second hook part, in the direction along the base member is sufficient to hold two or more clothes hangers in a stacked state. It may be.

  An elastic detent member cooperating with the opposing hook portion to capture the coat hanger in the clothes hanger bracket is provided on the base member. It is preferable that the free end of each hook portion extends in a direction away from the base member in order to facilitate insertion of a clothes hanger into the space between the second hook portion and the base member.

  A harness member may be provided to secure the clothes hanger so that the clothes hanger does not become unintentionally free from the moving hook member.

  For economy and ease of manufacture, the garment hanger bracket is preferably a piece of molded plastic component.

  For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The bag shown in FIG. 1 has two component frames, which may be appropriately configured with respect to the material, assembly method, and configuration of the parts. The main frame 10 has a pair of opposing rectangular planar side wall panels 12 (only one is shown) and a pair of opposing wall members 14 (only one is shown), which are substantially rigid. Yes and stubbornly connected at the corners. The opposing wall member is referred to herein as an upper and lower member. The upper and lower members are oriented at right angles when the bag is used. Although the drawing represents the member 14 as a panel, a commercially available general travel bag is towable and has wheels. In the implementation of such a bag product, the lower member and the upper member of the main frame are configured so that a wheel 16, a traction handle (not shown), one or more transport handles 18 and the like can be attached thereto. The main frame component 10 may have a partially or wholly rigid back wall panel. The second frame component 20 is formed of an opposing rectangular flat panel 22 and upper and lower members 24. In practice, a rectangular flat panel made of a sheet material is generally used.

  The main frame component 10 receives a cover 26 made of durable fabric. The second frame side, top and bottom, receive a fabric cover 28. Access to the interior of the bag product is possible from the front opening, which is closed by the panel 30, which is connected to the cover 28 at the side edge 32 and opens and closes the zipper 34 along the three sides by raising and lowering. It's okay.

  The main part of the bag product (the main frame 10 and its cover 26) is a second part (by a gusset 36 of durable flexible material that extends around the entire circumference of the bag product (up and down and along the side walls). The second frame 20 and the covers 28, 30) are connected. In the expanded state of the bag product, the gusset 36 joins the entire circumference of the main compartment, and this gusset expands the volume or volume of the bag product by expanding from the main unit to the second unit. A zipper having a pair of halves 38a, 38b on the mutually adjacent ends of the main frame component 10 and the second frame 20 in the contracted (relatively small volume or volume) state (not shown) of the bag product However, it extends all around the bag and is closed by pulling it up. The gusset 36 is folded into the bag product in the contracted state of the bag product.

  As disclosed in commonly assigned US Pat. No. 6,220,411 B1, the main frame component 10 is connected to the second frame component 20 by two identical bridge assemblies (not shown), one of which is the side panel 12. And the other is connected to an opposing member (not shown). The bridge assembly stabilizes the shape of the bag product by preventing the vertical movement, side-side movement, rotational tilting movement, side-side and front-back cock movement of the second unit relative to the main unit. Such a bridge assembly may be incorporated into the embodiment of FIG. 1 if desired. Optionally, the bridge assembly can be omitted, especially in the case of a bag product that is secured so that no bridge assembly is required.

  As shown in FIG. 1, one or more outer pockets 40, 42 may be formed on the front side of the front panel 30. Zipper 44, 46 may be provided for opening and closing the outer pocket.

  The lower pocket 42 includes a second gusset 48 of an appropriately flexible material of the same type as used for the first gusset 36 in the lower wall and side walls. The edge of the lower pocket 42 is adjacent to the gusset 48 and carries a pair of zipper halves 50 a, 50 b that extend around the entire length of the gusset 48. As will be appreciated, the front pocket 42 is in a contracted state when the zipper 50 is pulled up and is in an expanded state when the zipper 50 is pulled down. Thus, the second stage expansion is formed within the bag product, providing the flexibility to adapt the bag product to other itinerary requirements.

  In FIG. 1, only the three sides of the front pocket 42 are expanded. However, like the first gusset 36, the gusset 48 may extend continuously around the entire circumference of the front pocket. Similarly, an expansion gusset may be provided in the front pocket 40 if desired, thereby increasing storage space.

  The plurality of expansion features are the subject of US Pat. No. 6,591,950 relating to the name of Multiple Expansion Luggage Item issued July 15, 2003 to Tumi, Inc.

  To promote stability of the bag product, particularly in the expanded state, the bag product front leg 52 is mounted on the lower wall of the second frame component 20. Thus, when the main compartment expands, the front leg 52 moves forward with the second frame component.

  FIG. 2 shows a simplified front view of the bag product with the front panel 30 open and folded. A pair of string-like lower panels 54 a and 54 b is attached to each of the opposing wall members 24 of the second frame component 20. The string-like lower panels 54a and 54b provide a durable function for better holding clothes in place (compared to the conventional string-like lower strap) and provide a convenient storage for the last item etc. To do.

  The string-like lower panels 54a, 54b are therefore at least half of the distance between the opposing wall panels 22 of the second frame component, or preferably substantially all, and at least 1/4 of the distance between the opposing wall members 24, preferably Extend over at least 1/3. The string-like lower panels 54a, 54b are detachably attached to each other by a quick release buckle 56 (or other conventional connecting string or mechanism). The halves of the pair of release buckles are connected to the individual panel by an appropriate method, for example, straps 58a, 58b, and attached to the opposite end of the individual panel at spaced points along its width. The relatively wide range of the string-like lower panels 54a and 54b securely holds the clothes in place when moving.

  In addition, at least one or preferably both of the lower string-like panels 54a, 54b include pockets 60a, 60b for providing additional storage. Zipper 62a, 62b may be provided for ensuring safety. For convenience, one pocket or two pockets 60a and 60b are preferably formed of a see-through mesh for the convenience of observing the contents stored in the pocket.

  The string-like lower panels 54a and 54b are preferably connected to the second frame component 20, and when the bag product is expanded, the panel moves with the frame 20 and overlaps the expanded volume of the main compartment.

  As described above, the string-like lower panels 54a and 54b may be provided in a bag product that does not expand as desired. In this case, the string-like lower panels 54a and 54b can be connected to a fixed frame member of a bag product corresponding to, for example, the opposing wall member 24 of FIG.

  Although the above-mentioned durable functional string-like lower panel characteristic part is currently abandoned, US Patent Application No. 10/115385 filed by the present applicant on April 3, 2002 relating to the name of Luggage With Tie-Down Pockets. The theme of

  As shown in FIG. 2, according to the present invention, the clothes hanger bracket 64 is attached to the rear side of the front panel 30 near the side connected to the panel 22 of the second frame component. The structure of the garment hanger bracket 64 is shown in detail in FIGS.

  Garment hanger bracket 64 is preferably formed as a single piece plastic component and includes a generally rectangular base member 66 having a peripheral boundary region 68 and an upstanding central region 70. The edges 70a, 70b of the central area are preferably chamfered. The bracket 64 may be fixed to the front panel 30 by an appropriate method, for example, by sewing to the peripheral boundary region 68.

  At least one and preferably two garment hanger hooks 74 are carried by the central region 70 of the base member 66. As shown in FIG. 4, each hook 74 extends generally perpendicular to the base member 66 and curves to the second portion 74b, the second portion 74b being spaced apart from the base member along the base member. It extends and curves away from the base member and terminates at a free end 74c.

  The spacing between the second portion 74b and the base member is preferably only slightly greater than the thickness of the single garment hanger. This makes the bracket 64 a low profile configuration that is advantageous for space saving. An elastic detent member 76 is provided on the base member so as to face the second hook portion 74b. The detent member 76 and the opposing hook portion 74b are configured to capture the clothes hanger therebetween. For that purpose, the second hook portion 74 b may be slightly inclined toward the base member 66.

  The length of the second hook portion 74b along the base member is preferably sufficient to accommodate two or more clothes hangers stacked on top of each other in the longitudinal direction of the second hook portion 74b. . Optionally, the free end 74c of each hook 74 (shown in FIG. 3 and not shown in FIG. 5) facilitates insertion of the clothes hanger hook end into the space between the second hook portion 74b and the base member 66. In order to do so, it may be curved away from the base member. This garment hanger bracket is useful for either wire or wooden hangers, thereby allowing direct stuffing from a garment, such as a dress or suit closet.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a harness characteristic portion 80 intended to engage with the harness member 90 , that is, a harness function portion is provided on the base member, and the clothes hanger is moved from the clothes hanger hook 74 when moving. Try not to escape involuntarily. The harness member 90 is preferably a flexible member and is attached to the panel of the bag product by stitching to the upper portion 92. Optionally, the harness member 90 may be bonded to the upper portion 92. The harness member 90 may be processed from a material such as a thermoplastic elastomer. To engage the harness member 90, the user pulls the lower portion 94 and extends the open region 96 onto the garment hanger hook 74, thus engaging the region with the lower portion with the harness feature 80. The harness member 90 is held at an appropriate place. FIG. 6 shows the harness member in the engaged position. The flexible harness member 90 allows easy stitching to the remainder of the bag product and / or garment hanger bracket. Similarly, the flexible harness member 90 facilitates use, allows for a close fit of the hanger, is thin and lightweight, and allows for durability and easy replacement.

  In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the harness member 90 a is pivotally connected to the base member 66 via a hinge 100. The harness member 90a includes a hook feature 102 designed to engage with the harness feature 80a of the base member 66. The harness member 91 a further includes a protrusion 104 that assists in preventing the clothes hanger hook from sliding past the detent member 76. FIG. 8 shows the harness member 90a in the engaged position.

  In the bag product shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the garment hanger bracket 64 would be advantageously positioned as shown in FIG. 2 and would be adjacent to the preferred section by folding (not shown). The clothes hanger bracket can optionally be positioned at other locations within the bag product depending on the size and shape of the bag product. According to the present invention, the clothes hanger bracket 64 is useful for bag products, independent of the expandability and string-like lower panel characteristics described above.

  Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that such embodiments can be improved and modified without departing from the disclosed inventive concepts. Such improvements and modifications are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

It is a schematic front view of approximately 3/4 of a partially peeled bag product. It is a front view of the bag product of the state which opened the front panel and was bent back. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a clothes hanger bracket according to the present invention. FIG. It is a side view of the clothes hanger bracket of FIG. The selective curvature from the free end of the garment hanger bracket hook, showing the garment hanger bracket of FIG. 3, side-by-side harness members, is not shown. FIG. 6 is an assembly diagram of the clothes hanger bracket and harness member of FIG. 5. It is a side view of 2nd embodiment of the clothes hanger bracket by this invention. FIG. 8 is an assembly view of FIG. 7 showing the harness member engaged with the clothes hanger bracket.

Claims (7)

A bag product including a clothes hanger bracket attached to a panel of the bag product to hold at least one clothes hanger, the clothes hanger bracket comprising:
A base member having a substantially flat peripheral boundary region and a standing central region;
Including at least one hook member on an upright central region of the base member, and a harness member that cooperates with a harness function unit on the base member;
The hook member extends to a first portion that is generally perpendicular to the base member, and is curved and spaced apart from the base member to extend along the base member to a second portion, and from the base member Terminate at a separate free end ,
The base member is attached to the panel of the bag product by suturing the peripheral boundary region of the base member,
The harness product includes a flexible member attached to the panel of the bag product by stitching an upper portion of the harness member .   The length of the first part of each hook member is such that the spacing between the second part of the hook member and the base member is only slightly larger than the thickness of the hook end of a single garment hanger, thereby the garment hanger bracket. The bag product of claim 1, wherein the bag product has a low profile configuration.   The clothes hanger bracket further includes an elastic detent member carried by a central region of the base member facing a second portion of at least one hook member, and the elastic detent member extends from the base member to the hook member. 3. The bag product of claim 2, wherein the bag product is bent outwardly toward the second part of the bag and the elastic detent member and the second part of the hook member are actuated to catch the hook end of the clothes hanger therebetween.   4. The clothes hanger bracket of claim 3, wherein the clothes hanger bracket is a piece of plastic component.   The bag product of claim 4, wherein the garment hanger bracket includes the same pair of hook members. The length of the second part of the at least one hook member is such that two or more clothes hangers are stacked in the longitudinal direction of the second part of the hook member in the space between the second part of the hook member and the base member. The bag product of claim 4 which is sufficient to receive a hook end.   The second part of the hook member is connected from the first part of the hook member to the base member to facilitate insertion of a hook end of a clothes hanger into the space between the second part of the hook member and the base member. The bag product of claim 1, wherein the bag product is slightly inclined toward and curved at a free end away from the base member.

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